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Avossa blasts Trump’s immigration move as contrary to American Dream

Robert Avossa, Superintendent of the School District of Palm Beach County, speaks to members of the media about the bus situation in a press conference Wednesday, August 19, 2015. (Bruce R. Bennett / The Palm Beach Post)

Palm Beach County Schools Superintendent Robert Avossa blasted President Trump’s decision today to end protections for younger immigrants residing illegally in the U.S. as “contrary to what many refer to as the American Dream.”

In a statement this afternoon, Avossa promised that the county’s public schools would continue to educate all students regardless of their immigration status as required by state and federal law.

The county’s schools, he said, will continue to be “a safe place for all children.”

“I don’t want our immigrant students in Palm Beach County to be deterred by today’s announcement,” Avossa wrote. “My message to you is this – your hard work and determination are important now more than ever. Your future is bright.”

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions today announced that the Trump administration would begin rolling back a federal program created by former President Obama that allowed young, longtime immigrants living in the country illegally to work and reside without fear of deportation.

Here is Avossa’s entire statement:

The Administration’s decision today is contrary to what many refer to as the American Dream. We will continue to advocate for the children whose voices will be silenced by this decision.

Many of the impacted children from today’s announcement have known no other home but these United States. They are children who, just five years ago, were provided assurances from this great Nation that they were free and safe to live and dream alongside their peers. They are children who were told and believed that they could be anything they wanted to be, if they just worked and studied hard. They are children who are caught in the crosshairs of contentious politics, who may wake up afraid tomorrow in a home where they once felt safe.

We must all call on lawmakers to set aside their differences and keep the dreams alive for our children.

I don’t want our immigrant students in Palm Beach County to be deterred by today’s announcement. My message to you is this – your hard work and determination are important now more than ever. Your future is bright.

Our Constitution guarantees all children, regardless of immigration status, equal access to public education. Despite today’s announcement, students who were not born in the United States are entitled to attend public school.

The Palm Beach County School District is committed to ensuring all of our students are valued and supported regardless of their immigration status or national origin. We value and celebrate the incredibly diverse, multicultural character of our student body, and I believe we are stronger for it.

Schools in Palm Beach County do not, cannot, and will not ask students or their parents for information about their immigration status. The Florida Department of Education prohibits Florida’s public schools from inquiring about student and family immigration status or requiring students to obtain a Federal Social Security number.

Our schools are a safe place for all children to learn and grow and I expect all of our students to come to school, all day, every day.

Our doors are open to every child, not only because it is right, but because it is the law.